Adult Case Conference

[Mumble]

The various specialists working with me (GP, psychologist, psychiatric liaison team from the Maudsley, uni disability support services, residential hall managers, uni supervisor/tutor) have called an urgent case conference to talk about my support and ensure something is put in place to keep me safe having ended up in hospital after making a serious attempt on my life. I am not invited. My hall manager has explained that the reason I have not been invited is probably to allow them all to argue without me getting upset about things that are discussed etc. which kind of makes sense although I'm a bit wary. I have some questions and I'd be grateful for any thoughts/knowledge on these:

1. Is an adult case conference like this a normal step? There was a case conference and several follow-ups for me as a child/teenager but that was organised by social services/police(?) and nothing to do with my current situation.
2. Has anyone any experience of this? I'd always assumed social services would be involved, but they're about the only people who haven't.
3. Is it normal for me not to be invited? Will I have any right to appeal if I'm not happy about what is decided about me (or should I just be grateful they're now listening to me, even though it shouldn't have taken me to get to this state)?

[Suze]

I,m sorry Mumble I have no idea.............have your parents been asked to attend?...........hope they can sort some support out for you, hugs suzex., are they perhaps thinking about supported accomodation for you?............what are you hoping that the outcome will be?............I guess moving out of the halls of residence and into somewhere quieter and understanding would be better.My local authority has independent accomodation for adult autistics which has staff on site who will help with problems etc and check on residents.You can live as independently as you like or have as much support as you like or need, ie they help with shopping, public transport, meals and stuff like that.Hope you o.k , best wishes suzex.

[Kathryn]

Mumble -

 

I asked someone who knows about these things, this is not usual - you should have a voice and at least be given the choice whether or not to attend. You should also have a care coordinator. He suggested contacting Mind who could put you in touch with local advocacy services to make sure that your views are heard.

 

K x

Edited June 21, 2008 by Kathryn

[Enid]

Mumble have no advice just wanted to send my support, your posts always used to make me laugh out loud You have a quick mind and a wicked snse of humour, have you any family or a best friend or someone who could attend for you? I think you should have someone in your corner, keep posting mumble and let us know how you are, keep strong lots of hugs. Enid <'> <'> <'> <'> <'>

[llisa32]

Hiya,

 

I've been having a ponder over this...I assume it's likly that it was the Maundsley who asked for the case conference?

 

Either them or the Psych I guess after events in the last weekor so..As you get on well with the Psych could you mail him and explain that you're worried about what they might all be discussing, and what the implications for you might be - especially as you haven't been invited?

 

I know that the Psych, GP and Halls managers are all fully aware of the events that have led to this situation and have been really supportive, so they are good 'voices' to be discussing you in any sort of situation involving the uni disability peeps who have quite frankly been worse than useless and should be sacked.

 

I know the Maundsley offer all sorts of outpatient services and it may be that they just want to ensure whatever support program they decide to persue is achievable and not going to be ruined by the situation at Uni - so hence they all talk together and decide whats feasible.

 

I do think though it will put yr mind at rest a little if you mail the Psych or GP, and just explain your concerns, and perhaps also put accross your thoughts towards future support (although I think Psych and Gp are aware?) no harm in reminding them though.

 

<'> <'>

[Mumble]

Thanks all. Kathryn, that link was very useful as it helped me think through everything that's happened this past week as it details crisis support and the path of people I have gone through from A&E onwards.

 

The aim of the case conference is to get the support in place I need and that I'm supposed to have and to address why I have been allowed to get to the stage I have - it does make sense to me that I'm not there as I think it would upset me as I can envisage a lot of shouting, given that it involves the people who have let me down and thought I could cope, and the people who have now had to step in and pick up the pieces. It was more the 'not being invited' rather than the 'not attending' that irked me. I don't have any parental/family support or a friend who could go. I do however trust my hall managers although I don't know how much weight will be put on what they have to say despite them being the ones who are giving (which isn't really their job) all the practical support at the moment (they came and found me and called the ambulance). I think llisa you're right about them putting something achievable in - external services want to avoid another crisis (which could have a far more devastating outcome) so need to know that uni are going to do something or else hand over the funding so something is done.

 

I'm just feeling a bit in limbo at the moment - I guess I'm a bit of a control freak () and having my psych taking the responsibility off me (which should never have been on me in the first place) whilst being a weight lifted off me is also leaving me feeling out of control, well more out of control. Sorry, this post doesn't actually have a point, I'm just finding it helpful to type and think.

 

I do have one question, because I'm useless at coming up with believable excuses (and hoping it snows tomorrow so I can wear a thick jumper and coat), how does this sound:

Person A: (noting hand held on by medical dressings) Mumble, what have you done to your arm?

Mumble: Oh, I had a fight with a carrot that didn't fancy being diced, but the carrot won.

 

Do you think I'll get away with that? - I need something quick that allows me to get past anyone who queries because if I start to think about it and it really upsets me and then I'm totally stuck.

[Imposter]

As you have admitted it may be best that you aren't there -

 

However as Kathryn said you should have the choice whether you go or not...

 

It may be worth seeing if you can get someone to go in your place - an advocate - your mum or dad, or a friend who knows you well.

 

 

I must admit I know what you mean about being in limbo - I hate not knowing about things, or being uncertain.. not knowing what is going to happen or when - not uncommon with people with ASD's.

 

 

 

<'>

Edited June 22, 2008 by baddad

[Enid]

Yes, like the carrot joke, if its said with just the right amount of humour you should get away with it! good luck <'> <'> Enid